The Latino Coalition (TLC) will research and develop policies that are relevant to Latinos' overall economic, cultural and social development while empowering individuals through the promotion of self-reliance and personal responsibility.

As its primary mission, TLC will, on behalf of its members, closely monitor public policy at the federal, state and local levels to determine its impact on the Latino communities throughout the U.S., and engage in public education campaigns when warranted.

TLCF also will analyze and report to the public about the impact of Federal, State and local legislation, and government regulations, has on the Latino communities.

Within the Latino Community, Diversity is Key

The 2000 Census sent a shock wave across America. Corporate leaders, elected and appointed officials, and members of the media face the challenge of adapting to the new face of America. But before they can adapt, they will need to understand that Latinos are extremely diverse with different needs and concerns.

For too long, Latinos have been viewed as a monolithic community in the U.S. Nothing could be further from the truth. Hispanics living in the United States share many common traits. Most Latinos share their language, religious faith, and larger and close-knit families. However, they also have vast differences including unique cultural and colloquial idiomatic language variations; national and regional food tastes; educational and economic status, and different personal experiences leading to their migration to the U.S., to name but a few.

This diversity often times is dictated as much by current living conditions as it is by national origin or economic status. For instance, a Mexican-American family living in rural Fresno, CA may have very different needs and concerns than a similar Mexican-American family living in urban Chicago.

TLC: Promoting a Better Understanding of the Latino Communities

TLC will endeavor to promote a better understanding of the various Latino communities throughout the country. Through the use of ethnic research; public forums, and publications, TLC will educate American leaders on the sensitive balance - and differences - within these Latino communities.

TLC will serve as an archive and clearinghouse of behavioral and attitudinal research of Latinos in the U.S. The Foundation will research, analyze and report Hispanic trends based on in-house research and careful analysis of research conducted by other sources.

As part of its in-house research, TLCF will conduct regularly-scheduled policy-based public opinion studies including qualitative and quantitative research to promote a better understanding of the diverse U.S. Latino communities.

TLC will include a number of projects designed to address the particular needs and concerns of different groups within the U.S. Latino communities. Each of the projects will have its own members and leaders in a number of states under the organizational umbrella of The Latino Coalition.